Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2002 Buick Lesabre
The 2002 Buick LeSabre shows a mixed record, with 311 owner complaints and two recall campaigns. Visibility issues top the complaint list, followed by structural and airbag concerns. Recalls touch on potential airbag and steering system failures. While it's possible to find reliable units, inspect these areas carefully given the limited but notable evidence of issues.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2002 Buick Lesabre has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 311 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #02V222000 GM/AIR BAG INFLATOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V067000 GM/STEERING GEAR BOLTS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Visibility 115 complaints
- Structure 51 complaints
- Air Bags 37 complaints
- Electrical System 24 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 19 complaints
- Engine 16 complaints
Of the 311 complaints on file, 15 report a crash and 12 a fire; across all 311 complaints, owners report 18 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag weld fracture risk
How to check: Verify recall completion for airbag weld issue.
Loose steering gear bolts
How to check: Check for uneven steering response or noise during turns.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Rattling or knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for consistent idle RPMs.
Red flag: Rough or uneven idling
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test steering response and noise.
Red flag: Unusual noise or poor response
- 04
City driving
What to check: Observe windshield visibility and clarity.
Red flag: Foggy or distorted view
- 05
Braking test
What to check: Feel for smooth and effective braking.
Red flag: Vibration or noise when braking
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check engine power and smoothness.
Red flag: Hesitation or lack of power
- 07
Highway speed
What to check: Observe stability and noise levels.
Red flag: Shaking or excessive noise
- 08
Parking
What to check: Examine steering while turning the wheel.
Red flag: Resistance or grinding feel
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Have steering issues been repaired?
- Any electrical problems encountered?
- How often has the car been serviced?
- Are there any visibility issues?
- Have there been any accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Title and registration
- Service records
- Recall repair documentation
- Previous accident reports
- Owner's manual
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2002 Buick Lesabre at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2002 Buick Lesabre? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.